Call for Governance Proposals
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) has issued an open invitation for practical governance proposals centered on the intersection of artificial intelligence and internet operations. This initiative, known as the Internet Governance Lab, seeks concrete frameworks and projects that address how machine learning systems influence the global network. Interested parties must submit their entries by September 15, 2026.
The Forum aims to select up to three distinct proposals for a dedicated three-hour stress-test session. This event will take place during the IGF 2026 conference in Nairobi, Kenya. The conference spans from December 14 to December 18, 2026. Organizers invite a diverse range of contributors, including individuals, non-profit organizations, and collaborative teams from all international regions.
Structure and Submission Requirements
Proposals must not exceed 1,000 words. Each submission requires a specific template that covers the core problem, the suggested governance approach, and the current operational status of the project. Authors must provide evidence supporting their ideas while outlining potential risks and necessary safeguards. The IG Lab requires participants to consider broad factors like global interoperability, human rights, and environmental sustainability.
Accepted proposal formats vary widely to allow for different types of intervention. They may include new technical standards, open-source projects, or institutional governance models. Some submissions might focus on certification mechanisms or policy frameworks that bridge the gaps between existing regulatory bodies. Every submission must also address its own implementation pathway, detailing which public or private actors would manage the proposed changes.
The Path to Selection and Broader Impact
A multistakeholder review group will evaluate all eligible entries under the guidance of the Multistakeholder Advisory Group. This review process prioritizes geographic balance, discipline diversity, and gender representation. Once the reviewers create a shortlist, they will publish the entries for public comment. Authors of the selected papers must then expand their initial 1,000-word submissions into full reports of up to eight pages.
This labor stems from the ongoing WSIS+20 review processes. It specifically operationalizes paragraph 102 of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 80/173. The resolution directs the IGF to improve its intersessional work and use more agile methods of collaboration. By focusing on AI governance, the project aligns with the broader IGF 2026 theme of shared responsibility in an era of machine intelligence. The initiative highlights a push toward practical, rather than purely theoretical, digital policy solutions.